U clamps the key to rapid scaffolding

. Each clamp consists of two ‘U’ elements, rigidly attached to a steel plate, passing through four holes in the corner of another steel plate. The ‘U’ elements are designed to accommodate two scaffolding beams, square or round, above each other. They are also spaced at a suitable distance apart on the mounting plates so that two elements, one above the other, can also sit between them. Turning the handle of a screw protruding through the base of the plate to which the ‘U’ elements are fixed, forces the second plate inwards, clamping the scaffolding beams against each, or, rotated in the opposite sense, releases them. The scaffolding beams can be parallel or at right angles to each other. The Lobo system can be quickly constructed as secure, free-standing static or mobile platforms in a variety of heights and sizes, without the use of any tools. The Lobo system packs away easily when not in use and can be hand carried anywhere. NASA’s Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas, has purchased a Lobo system to provide a safe working platform over a tooling machine and for general maintenance. Other US customers include Boeing, Rolls-Royce, General Motors, Miller Brewing and British Petroleum in Kansas.